Despite the icy chill of winter weather, a surprising number of individuals find themselves battling excessive sweating. A general practitioner has now stepped forward to explain this common seasonal issue and provide a straightforward strategy to combat it.
The Winter Sweating Paradox Explained
As outdoor temperatures plummet, people naturally seek warmth indoors by cranking up the heating and piling on extra layers of clothing. However, this well-intentioned response can backfire dramatically, leading to uncomfortable overheating and profuse sweating. This phenomenon is particularly disruptive at night, when the body's core temperature needs to drop to signal the brain that it's time for sleep, yet excessive warmth prevents this natural process.
A Doctor's Social Media Intervention
Dr Raj Arora, a GP who also works as a health educator and television doctor, has addressed this issue directly with her substantial following of nearly 200,000 on TikTok. In a recent video filmed inside a Boots store, she clarified that winter perspiration isn't solely about ambient temperature. "This isn't just about temperature," she noted, "it's about how your body regulates heat, the fabrics you wear, and a few habits that make it worse without you realising."
She emphasised that there are practical ways to manage the condition through both skincare and lifestyle adjustments.
The Critical Difference: Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
Dr Arora's primary advice centres on a fundamental misunderstanding many people have about personal care products. She explained the crucial distinction between antiperspirants and deodorants, a difference that lies at the heart of effective sweat management.
Antiperspirants are formulated to actively block sweat glands and reduce the physical production of perspiration. Deodorants, in contrast, are designed primarily to neutralise the odour caused by bacterial breakdown of sweat, but they do not prevent sweating itself.
Product Recommendations and Application Tips
For those suffering from significant winter sweating, Dr Arora specifically recommended clinical-strength antiperspirants like Driclor and Perspirex, which are proven to control excessive perspiration. She stressed the importance of checking product labels carefully, advising consumers to look for the word "antiperspirant" on sprays, not merely "deodorant."
The doctor explained that aluminium-based compounds in these products are key to their sweat-reducing efficacy. For individuals preferring to avoid aluminium, she suggested alternatives like Bionsen, but cautioned that these aluminium-free options typically function as deodorants, meaning they will mask odour but not prevent the sweating process.
Perhaps her most valuable tip concerns timing: Dr Arora advised applying antiperspirant at night before bed. This allows the product to work overnight, properly blocking sweat ducts so that its effect is fully active by morning, offering superior daytime protection.
By understanding these product differences and applying them correctly, individuals can significantly improve their comfort during the winter months, turning a season of overheating into one of manageable warmth.
